Classe' amps

Welcome to the CAP 151 club. I have an early "black" face version and love the full rich sound it produces. While shopping I was surprised to hear a distinct difference between the equivalent Classe separates verses the integrated amp. The set up was an ARCAM CD 92 and Aerial 6 speakers. The separate pre amp and amp configuration sounded weaker. It wasn't as "full" and "robust" a sound as the intergrated equivalent. This has made taught me to be very critical in evaluating the separates and don't assume they'll automatically sound as good as the integrated editiions. My guess is the more powerful amp versions should sound OK but it was a surprise to hear the qualitative differences for similar type pieces by the same manufacturer. Ultimately, as everyone says, "Let your ears decide through A-B testing!"

I've owned Classe DR-10, CA-100, and CA-200. All outstanding amps. IMHO, my CA-100 had better low-end tightness and detail vs. the DR-10. The CA-200 was better yet. All of these amps were used to drive my Thiel CS 1.5 speakers which are the only original pieces I still have in my system since I got involved in this crazy hobby 8 years ago. Everything else has been swapped out several times over.

I no longer own any Classe gear only because I've gotten the bug to play with tubes but I agree with others here that Classe offers a lot of "bang for the buck" and they're right at that sweet spot as you approach diminishing returns.

I'd love to get a CA-201 but I can't afford to keep my tube gear AND good SS too.

Gentleman, I appreciate you imput. I agree that no one wants to fall into "The Audio Abyss" of diminishing return. I plan on keeping the Classe' for a long time.As long as any of us keep anything in this illness known as Audio Insanity.

I own a Classe 70 and probably will try to find a DR-9 or DR-3 to upgrade to sometime. I have noticed that my amp is really sensitive to the power from the outlet. It is picky about powercords, is susceptible to hum and sounds much better at night. Classe amps are good for driving low impedance, insensitive speakers and are smoother sounding than a lot of other SS amps. Auditioning my speakers at a dealer I listened to a Classe 300, an NAD silverline amp, and a pair of tall Levinson monoblocks. I much preferred the Classe. NAD was too bleached out, Levinson was decent, but boring.

Has anyone found a particular power cord that works well with the Classe 15 or the DR6? I've tried a few aftermarket brands but wasn't convinced that they did anything better (different,
yes... better, I don't know).